15 Jun 2021

Living with your mates will probably be the most fun you ever have. You're never alone, you can throw spontaneous shindigs, boring errands become fun... I've lived with tonnes of different mates in different locations and think I've mastered the art of keeping vibes high so, without further ado, here is your ultimate guide to moving in with your mates. Take notes, people!

Part 1: Before you move in

Sit your mates down because it's time to get on the same page about:

Money

Money makes most of us cringe and it can be quite awkward to talk about. But you're gonna have to work out how much each of you will pay for each room and how exxy electricity, wifi, and Netflix will be.

Make sure you openly talk about how comfortable you all are - dosh-wise. You do not wanna be spotting your mates $$$ all the time when you're trying to fend for yourself too!

Also, share your honest budget for buying furniture and appliances. You don't wanna be putting in an arm and a leg for a boujee TV when you know you have an old one at home that you can have! Thank god my mates and I were all on the same page (let's get everything from the side of the road!). 

Make sure you get a money-splitting app so that you can all keep track of who paid for what and split the $$$ evenly. We roomies and I log things like Ubers, olive oil, eggs, spices, laundry detergent and toilet paper.

Have a schedule

When it comes to chores, cleaning especially, it's easiest to just create a rotating schedule from the get-go of who does what each week. My mates and I keep this schedule on the fridge and it's awkward if anyone is letting the team down because it's visible every time we reach for food!

We also assigned days that we'd cook everyone dinner which is wholesome as heck.

Compare daily routines

For example, I would always practice my violin early in the morning. But, I moved in with three night owls soooo I adjusted my practice to later in the day or at night so they don't kill me 😉

Working out days you each work and study, when you have to wake up and when you need sleep is so, so beneficial to know beforehand!

Part 2: Living with them

Your arms are still shaking from carrying the fridge, lounge and washing machine up to five flights of stairs into the apartment. You've all started decking it out with funky decor and plants. You're moved in! Now that's a cause for celebration!

Now what?

Communication

I mean, Part 1 was literally all about communication, so keep that momentum going!

If you're having an issue with a roommate, (maybe they always vacuum late at night whilst you're trying to sleep or keep nicking your leftovers), tell them! Do not, I repeat, do NOT, stay passive-aggressive. Remember, you're living with these people! You wanna get on with them!

Give them a heads up if your 'rents are visiting or you have a mate crashing on the couch for a few nights. Make sure that it's all good!

Openly talk about things that impact you all - like problems with the landlord or real estate or changing internet providers because the cheap one you originally chose sucked (been there). 

Space

Living with your mates can genuinely be a dream. The best thing is, you're never lonely and basically always have someone to hang out with! 

Whilst that's all fine and dandy, make sure to get some space too! Hang out with other friends and go to parties without bringing your roomies as a plus one once in a while. Shut your door and get some alone R&R time or go for a long walk on your own. Give yourself space and give them space too.

Pull your weight

Stive to be a legend. Stive to be a good roommate.

Doing a white washing load? Ask your mates if they have anything to chuck in the washing machine.

Shopping? Ask your roomies if they need anything. Heck, even buy a treat for everyone, even if that's just a packet of Oreos on sale. 

Clean up after yourself, be quiet when your roomies go to bed, help them when they need it and they'll help you too. Pull your weight and be the roommate you'd want to live with.

So, there you have it! Your guide to moving in with your mates! Trust me, you're gonna have the time of your dang life!